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Forgetfulness: Dementia or Just Aging?

Alzheimer’s disease isn’t common before the age of 65, but after that the risk rises steeply each year. How can you tell whether mental changes are due to dementia or just aging?

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Forgetfulness: Dementia or Just Aging?

A new year brings another birthday for baby boomers. Here’s why some signs of aging shouldn’t be a source of worry.

Alzheimer’s disease isn’t common before the age of 65, but after that the risk rises steeply each year. How can you tell whether mental changes are due to dementia or just aging?

According to the American Medical Association, moments of forgetfulness are probably due to normal aging if:

• You realize that you’ve forgotten something and can discuss it. People with dementia usually can’t remember when they’ve had episodes of memory loss.
• You are especially concerned about forgetting things. During dementia, people are less worried about memory loss than their loved ones are.
• You can remember important recent events.
• You can easily carry on a conversation.
• You may have to think about directions for a moment when you’re in familiar areas, but you don’t get completely lost.
• You need to think hard for the word you’re trying to say, only on occasion. During dementia, people often have to do this.
• You can use familiar devices and appliances.

Don’t worry if you don’t feel like learning how to use a smartphone or other complicated new gadgets. That falls under normal aging too and it’s not a sign of a problem.

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